Premium
A WASp–VASP complex regulates actin polymerization at the plasma membrane
Author(s) -
Castellano Flavia,
Clainche Christophe Le,
Patin Delphine,
Carlier MarieFrance,
Chavrier Philippe
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
the embo journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 7.484
H-Index - 392
eISSN - 1460-2075
pISSN - 0261-4189
DOI - 10.1093/emboj/20.20.5603
Subject(s) - biology , actin , microbiology and biotechnology , polymerization , wiskott–aldrich syndrome protein , membrane , biophysics , cytoskeleton , actin cytoskeleton , biochemistry , polymer , materials science , cell , composite material
Proteins of the Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome and Ena/VASP families both play essential functions in the regulation of actin dynamics at the cell leading edge. However, possibilities of functional interplay between members of these two families have not been addressed. Here we show that, in hemopoietic cells, recruitment of the C‐terminal VCA (Verprolin homology, Cofilin homology, Acidic) domain of WASp at the plasma membrane by a ligand technique using rapamycin as an intermediate is not sufficient to elicit efficient Arp2/3 complex‐mediated actin polymerization. Other domains of WASp, in particular the proline‐rich domain, are required for the formation of actin‐rich structures. An in vitro analysis demonstrates that the proline‐rich domain of WASp binds VASP with an affinity of ∼10 6 M −1 . In addition, WASp and VASP both accumulate in actin‐rich phagocytic cups. Finally, in a reconstituted motility medium, VASP enhances actin‐based propulsion of WASp‐coated beads in a fashion reminiscent of its effect on Listeria movement. We propose that VASP and WASp cooperation is essential in stimulating actin assembly and membrane protrusion at the leading edge.